"I will never forget growing up across the street from the Callaghan's. It was my favorite place to be, especially at dinner! I always tried to get that dinner invitation as Ann was quite the cook, and my mother was not! Ann was so good to me. She must have been sick of seeing me so much as Patty and I were best of friends. I was always jealous of the house full of beautiful Callaghan women and that included Ann. Love, Stevie"
In loving memory of
Ann B. Callaghan
November 11, 1919 - September 10, 2013
Ann Callaghan, age 93 of St. Paul and formerly of Blue Earth passed away Tuesday evening September 10, 2013.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Monday September 16 at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Blue Earth with Father Jon Moore officiating. Visitation will be 4-7 PM Sunday at Jacobsen & Winter Funeral Home in Blue Earth with a Rosary at 6:45 PM. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Blue Earth.
Ann was born on November 11, 1919 in Northport, Michigan. She was the third child of the late Barbara and Wencel Kalchik and had 10 siblings. Ann was raised on a farm in Northport, Michigan. She trained as a registered nurse, joined the Army Air Corp during WWII and was stationed at Chanute Field, Illinois. There she met and married her husband Don and they settled in Blue Earth after the war where they raised their 6 daughters.
Ann worked as a nurse part-time at the Blue Earth community hospital and volunteered as a nurse during her early years in Blue Earth. She was always very active in the community. In her later years Ann enjoyed volunteering at the Rainbow Food Co-op in Blue Earth as well as with Catholic daughters, Faribault County extension, and the Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing bridge, was an avid gardener, and made numerous quilts and baskets. Ann enjoyed staying active and learning new things.
Ann is preceded in death by her husband, Don Callaghan and her daughter, Denise Callaghan. She is survived by brothers Edward, Ivan and Victor Kalchik and daughters Michele Madigan, Patricia Callaghan, Sheila LaBore, Barbara Callaghan Mitchell, Kate Callaghan, 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Special thanks to the Cancer Care Center at Regions Hospital and to Our Lady of Peace Hospice both in Saint Paul, MN.
Tributes
"Dear Mickey - My deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear Mother. You were a good daughter and so caring to help with her care during her illness. My prayers are with you and the Callaghan family. Sincerely, Vicki"
"Dear Mickey, Pat, Sheila, Barb and Kate, You are in my thoughts and prayers today and over the coming weeks and months. Your mom was an incredible woman and someone I always admired. Much love, Jen"
"Pat, Sorry to hear of your loss. We will be here for you when you return. Time heals but you never forget. Pam Daniels"
"My sympathy to you all. Your mom was a fantastic 4-H leader. Knew just how to motivate and compliment the kids. She had a wonderful sense of humor, too."
"We are very sorry to hear of Aunt Ann's passing. Our prayers are with you all."
"Kate and family, we were so sorry to learn of your Mom's death, but we were glad to know you were with her when she died. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Best, Sallie and Pete"
"To the Callaghan gals, I am sorry to hear of your mothers passing. What a wonderful Obit of all the wonderful things that she enjoyed doing in her life. I remember her as a beautiful, calm woman."
"Dear Pat, Kate, Sheila, Michelle, and Barbara My thoughts and prayers are with all you at this time of loss. It is never easy to lose a parent, no matter what the age."
"Sandy & Dan Fruehe has sent this Expressions of Sympathy card."
"Dear Pat, Barbara, Kate, Sheila, Michele, and families, Aunt Ann was an amazingly talented, energetic, and generous person. We so enjoyed her visits with us in Hong Kong and California and have fond memories. We also treasured the letters that she wrote us. We were always in awe of what she was able to accomplish. Aunt Ann gave us a couple of her handmade baskets that we are really special to us. Her presence made the world a better place for many. Even though she lived a full life, it's never easy losing a loved one. With deepest sympathy, Debra Spaulding"
"So Sorry for your loss! She has always held a special place in my heart! So thankful my Dad Victor will be able to be with you! Praying for you all during this time."